Be an Innovator in Design and Construction with ICFs

There is a significant movement within the design and construction industry, led by Evelyn Lee, the head of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). She encourages professionals to adopt a “what if” mindset, which involves questioning existing practices and considering new possibilities for the industry. This question challenges assumptions, pushes teams to rethink materials and methods, and encourages collaboration toward sustainability. It asks designers, developers, and builders to be “disruptors” who think outside the box and challenge industry norms to foster innovation.

Lead the Change – Innovate with ICFs
Construction is evolving fast. Codes are tighter, clients demand energy efficiency, resiliency, comfort, as materials and labor for traditional construction are in short supply. Professionals who stick to “the way it’s always been done” risk falling behind. Those who embrace innovation set themselves apart.
Enter Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs), a proven system for more than 60 years, that bridges design vision and construction reality allowing architects and contractors to deliver buildings that over-perform and last the test of time. ICFs answer that “what if” question. They give both designers and contractors a tool to rethink walls entirely, moving beyond incremental tweaks to traditional framing or concrete block and toward an integrated, high-performance solution.

ICF wall assemblies are recognized for setting new standards in construction efficiency, building science, resiliency, and sustainability. They stand out compared to traditional walls, “the norm” of construction methods such as wood framing and concrete block, or regular poured concrete.

Ditch the “Bandage” Fixes
When examining traditional practices, wood framing and concrete block construction are often considered “the norm” for building wall envelopes. These methods have undergone changes over the years. For example, a traditional wood stud has evolved from old growth, true 2-inch by 4-inch (or more) piece of lumber to be roughly 1.5 inches by 3.5 inches, sourced from new-growth trees.

Concrete block has changed less, relying on additional layers to keep pace with performance requirements. Wood framing has advanced to nominal 2-inch by 6-inch studs with multiple layers to meet modern codes — more studs, double framing, increased insulation, moisture barriers, membranes, and sealants. These aren’t innovations but “bandages” that add material and labor while tinkering with “the norm.” ICFs replace all that complexity by simplifying the wall design and improving the efficiency of construction by reducing materials and labor to achieve a high-performance building envelope.

Adapting to Changing Codes and Expectations
ICFs are not a gamble. The ICC Evaluation Services, in collaboration with major ICF manufacturers, has established Acceptance Criteria AC353 for Flat Wall ICFs. This standard requires all ICF products to undergo specific third-party testing, such as manufacturing quality control, fire safety, health impacts, resiliency, structural performance, and code compliance. All ICF products must publish their Code Compliance Research Reports to demonstrate compliance with relevant codes. Design professionals, contractors, and clients can be confident that the performance of the system is backed by tested data, not guesswork.

As building and energy codes in both the U.S. and Canada become more stringent with each update, increasing the focus on thermal efficiency, air tightness, resiliency, and sustainability, more evaluations are required in the design phase and construction. In most areas, homes and commercial buildings are now subject to pre-design analysis and energy modelling. Commercial projects often involve a new review of the design and construction methodology by Building Envelope Consultants.

For contractors and designers, being an innovator using ICFs means easier design decisions on wall assemblies, fewer headaches from on-site surprise inspections, and fewer wall assembly deficiencies. For clients, it means a building that performs from day one and continues at that level for decades.

Education to Embrace Innovation
A key aspect of being an “innovator” using ICFs is educating yourself. Research and evaluate which ICF product is best for you. Understand the installation requirements, the relationship and support from the manufacturer and/or supplier, the building science aspects, and how to be able to explain all the benefits of ICFs to clients versus building to “the norm.” Market yourself as a step above the regular designer or contractor, re-establish yourself as an innovator or disruptor that is designing or building with a better system, focused on the future and sustainability.

The client must also be educated to recognize these benefits of life-cycle cost savings, enhanced resiliency, and the value of building sustainably for the future. By choosing and promoting ICFs, designers and builders position themselves as innovators and disruptors versus sticking to the old ways.
Architects are encouraged to design by anticipating future needs, critically analyzing existing norms, and adopting philosophies that drive them to think creatively and boldly, echoing Evelyn Lee’s assertion that the aim is to create a field that is more thoughtful, adaptive, and ultimately more human. Similarly, ICF contractors contribute to this vision by using this innovative product that is straightforward to build with and sell to the client, due to its clear advantages in building for the future.

Responding to Market Challenges
In the current market, material and labor shortages significantly influence the planning and execution of design and construction projects. These shortages, along with considerations of timing and costs, play a major role in both residential and commercial building. Fortunately,
ICF blocks stand out because manufacturers produce and maintain a strong nationwide stock, plus the essential components
for the wall assembly — concrete and rebar — are readily available. Projects stay on schedule, which expedites occupancy timelines, budgets remain predictable, and the risk of delay diminishes. This reliability allows contractors and designers to focus on execution and quality
rather than scrambling for materials or juggling trades.

Transitioning to a new system can be daunting — but ICF manufacturers make it straightforward. Architects benefit from AIA-certified training programs, explaining the products, design principles, building techniques, and performance benefits. Additionally, certified installer training programs are available, both online and/or in person, with hands-on programs. Contractors become proficient in ICF construction for all types of projects. To truly become an innovator or disruptor, it is essential to educate oneself on product details and design criteria. With proper training, teams can deliver high-performance walls confidently and efficiently, regardless of the project type.

Support and Compliance for Innovation ICF manufacturers provide resources like technical libraries, CAD/BIM details, estimating programs, case studies to bridge the gap between design and construction, and technical support networks. Energy consultants may provide modelling comparisons that highlight the energy benefits of building high-performance ICF wall assemblies versus the norms. This will demonstrate the potential life-cycle operational cost savings with ICFs for both residential and commercial buildings. Case studies, energy evaluation reports, and utility records prove the operational cost savings from building of all types of residential, commercial, institutional, etc., with ICF building envelopes.

Future Proofing Your Practice
Stepping out of “the norm” in your business philosophy or the way you build requires a “what if” analysis. How can you develop a client attraction system that will enhance your sales and meet clients’ demands for sustainability, resiliency, safety, and comfort? A strategic path will be in learning to promote one high-performance product, ICFs, that addresses all these modern expectations. Follow the movement to become and promote yourself as a “disruptor” by being an “innovator.” Contractors and designers who embrace innovation position themselves as market leaders. Those who stick to the old ways risk being left behind. The ICF industry is supporting you — design smarter, build stronger, build for the future.

Tom Patton had a 30-year architectural design background prior to joining the ICF industry in 2001 with the technical support department at ARXX. Over the last 20 years, Tom has worked with major ICF companies developing technical documentation, application details, and training programs, as well as consulting and promoting ICFs with various associations, including the ICFMA, NRMCA, and codes and standards committees. Currently, Tom is Corporate Brand Ambassador for Fox Blocks and co-developer of the Fox Blocks Integrated Learning Center.